How to Drink Specialty Cocktails in Austin

As Austin has become more sophisticated, its residents have gotten more fussy about what they drink. The Screwdriver and Bloody Mary just don't cut it anymore. and so many Austinites have turned to specialty cocktails. Here are some sleek places to find them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Speakeasy<br>412 Congress Ave # D<br>(Enter through the alley)<br>Austin, TX 78701<br>[phone]<br>This neo-swing club offers a large selection of unique concoctions with names like "The Hinky Dink," "The Rat Pack," "Capone's Cocktail" and (not surprisingly) "The Volstead Act," which includes Grey Goose L’Orange, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime. There are thirteen different kinds of martinis, eleven whiskey drinks and a respectable selection of whiskey, vodka, rum, gin and tequila drinks.

2. The Brown Bar<br>201 W 8th St<br>Austin, TX 78701<br>[phone]<br>The opening of the Brown Bar was a sure sign that Austin was shedding its image as a home of old hippies and crooked legislators and embracing a cosmopolitan new appearance. It specializes in martinis, offering 22 types including "the brown bar tini" with Godiva chocolate liqueur and "The Austinite" with chilled vodka and jalapeño olives.

3. Saba Blue Water Cafe<br>208 D W 4th St<br>Austin, TX 78701<br>[phone]<br>One of the early arrivals on the Warehouse District scene, Saba offers such specialty drinks as "The Frozen Saba Colada" with a frozen infusion of Blue Curacao, two types of rum, pineapple and coconut and "The Caipirinha" with Cachaca 51, sugar cane, lemon and lime.

4. Light Bar Austin<br>408 Congress Ave. <br>Austin, TX 78701 <br>[phone]<br>This "see-and-be-seen" spot has been patronized by Luke Wilson, Andy Roddick and Matthew McConaughey. Its specialty drinks include "The Light at Fourth & Congress" with Bacardi Razz and Limon rums, melon liqueur and Sprite and "The Foxy Lady" with Hendrick's Gin and grapefruit juice.

5. Malaga Austin Tapas & Bar<br>208 West 4th Street<br>Austin, TX 78701<br>[phone]<br>Though best-known for its substantial wine list, Malaga also offers such specialty drinks as "The Mexican Shaker" with Hornitos, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, lemon and lime and "The Rumtini" with rum, lemon, lime and cherry juice.

6. Iron Cactus<br>606 Trinity St.<br>Austin, TX 78701<br>[phone] <br><br>Iron Cactus<br>10001 Stonelake Blvd.<br>Austin, TX 78759<br>[phone]<br>Tequila is king here with such offerings as "The Brave Bull" (1800 Silver and Red Bull) and "The Cactus Cosmo" (Don Eduardo Silver, Cointreau and cranberry juice). There's also a sizable menu of tequila flights.